BERKELEY – Hunter Abel cannot tell a lie. And in a political climate that seems to grow more acrimonious and divisive every day, that may be the biggest obstacle in the career path of the Cal redshirt junior.

Abel, a defensive lineman for the Golden Bears' football team, is looking to pursue a career in politics after leaving Berkeley. He has his sights set on becoming a California State Senator someday, but is also interested in becoming a foreign ambassador or prosecuting attorney.

Abel calls himself a Libertarian but shares values from both the Democratic and Republican parties. He is committed to open-mindedness – a characteristic that frankly could use a boost in American politics.

"We call him 'Honest Abel' because he never tells a lie," teammate Rusty Becker said. "He's up front with the truth. We always say if there is ever a doubt about something, just call up Honest Abel. It will be a great thing for politics."

Abel's interest in politics began when he was in middle school and Barack Obama was president. Abel took special interest in the Affordable Care Act – weighing what he called the positives and negatives of the health care legislation. Abel's appetite to make a difference intensified even more after former U.S. Ambassador to Libya J. Christopher Stevens was killed by militants in 2012. Stevens, like Abel, was a Piedmont, Calif. native who attended the same high school.

"That made me realize how messed up the world was," Abel said. "I really want to try to make a change. I want to make sweeping changes that help everyone in the process."

Abel is a Political Science major who can reel off facts, statistics and examples of historical significance at a moment's notice. He said he would try to engage friends in political discussions while at Piedmont High School but usually didn't get much response. He gains most of his knowledge and forms most of his opinions from classes at Cal, his own research, and discussions with his dad, John.

"I always make sure to fact-check everybody, including my dad," Abel said. "I'm very careful with who I engage in political discussions. I may not agree with what you have to say or your political views, but I will still fight for your right to have them or say them."

John Abel says part of his son's interest in politics comes from his interest in other people – a selfless approach that puts others around him first.

"He's always been very interested in people, and the ideas that make them tick," John Abel said. "He has his own point of view but is very interested in everyone else's as well. In today's society, everyone has their viewpoint but a lot of them don't care about anyone else's. He's the exact opposite. He really wants to understand why someone has a particular viewpoint. He has a voracious appetite for information."

While Abel is interested in issues that reach both near and far, he says his focus on becoming a state senator is because he believes California has some of the biggest problems in the country. He says becoming a U.S. Senator would be the next step.

For now, Abel is looking to get experience at a law firm after graduation and then apply to some of the country's top law schools such as Harvard, Yale and UCLA.

"He's so open and a great listener," Becker said. "He likes to put others before him. That's something that will be great to have as he gets into politics. He's not afraid to put others before him and think about the other person's views."

On the field, after being named the team's Defensive Scout Team Player of the Year last season, Abel made his Cal debut this season against Idaho State. His appearance on the field late in the game brought on a celebration by his teammates on the sideline, an indication of his popularity on the team.

"He wants to have the greatest impact he can on the greatest number of people," John Abel said. "He wants to help as many people as he can. He's been that way since Day One. He's the kindest person you'll ever meet."